AGP Executive Report

Treason Case in Court: Political analyst Muhabi Lungu says the state must bring Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others before court, as detention drags on after the August 13 election. Passport Rights Fight: Amnesty International and Chapter One Foundation renew pressure on government over the cancellation of passports for six citizens, arguing it violates international human rights and demanding clear legal grounds. Police Crackdown on Online Hate: Zambia Police and immigration arrested TikTok creator “Brotherman” (Misheck Mulubwa) at Kasumbalesa for alleged hate speech, incitement and threats against President Hichilema, the Army Commander and the Electoral Commission chair. Armed-in-Public Charges: Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali was arrested and charged with being armed in public and conspiracy to commit a felony after alleged “military-like” conduct with machetes and other weapons. Rule of Law Push: Attorney-General Mulilo Kabesha urged citizens to stop blaming the President for court outcomes, stressing prosecution is handled by institutions. Local Governance: Lusaka Mayor Simon Mwewa Chitambala faces fresh public pressure to “clean Lusaka” and move street vending into designated markets. Food Security Watch: DMMU says 1.2 million people are at risk of food shortages from October to March 2027, even as officials say maize stocks can last longer.

Social Media Crackdown: Immigration and security wings in Zambia arrested TikTok user “Brotherman” (Misheck Mulubwa) in Kasumbalesa for alleged hate speech and threats against President Hakainde Hichilema and senior army officials, with formal charges expected. MP Under Fire: Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali was arrested and charged with being armed in public and conspiracy to commit a felony after police alleged a “military-like” armed group accompanied her, with trial set for September 17. Passports vs Rights: Amnesty International and Chapter One Foundation renewed pressure on government after passport cancellations of six citizens, arguing the move violates human rights and demanding clear legal grounds. Courtroom Update: Lusaka man Joseph Chishimba was convicted for false cyber claims that President Hichilema impregnated Chipo Mwanawasa, with sentencing set for Monday. Food Security Watch: DMMU says it has enough maize to feed about 1.2 million people at risk of shortages from October to March 2027, even as El Niño concerns linger. Politics & Dialogue: Opposition figures continue pushing for intervention and dialogue around the Mundubile treason case, while others argue for healing and restraint ahead of 2027.

COMESA Trade Push: Zimbabwe’s exports to COMESA rose to US$222m last year, up from US$201m in 2024, as Harare prepares to host the bloc’s 25th summit on Oct 22 with a business forum aimed at expanding regional value chains. Mafinga South MP Arrested: Police arrested and charged Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali with being armed in public and conspiracy to commit a felony, with trial set for Sept 17. Passport Row Widens: Government revoked passports of six Zambians abroad, including Emmanuel Mwamba, Binwell Mpundu and others, citing security reasons; Amnesty International and AIPAC backed the need for transparency and restoration/remedies. Court Battle Over Detention: Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others filed a constitutional petition challenging prolonged detention and alleged denial of access to legal counsel at Mukobeko. Rule of Law Warning: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha said Zambia is developing a worrying tendency of ignoring the rule of law. Food Security Alarm: El Niño-linked drought risks acute food insecurity for about 1.2m people from Oct to March, with targeted contingency plans urged. Regional Power Deal: Tanzania’s Tanesco signed a Sh198.67bn contract to build a 220kV line and substation to end shortages in Songwe and Mbeya. El Niño Disruption: Reports highlight wider regional impacts as warm conditions disrupt crops and fishing, adding pressure to already fragile livelihoods.

Human Rights & Elections: Zambia’s passport cancellations of Emmanuel Mwamba, Sishuwa Sishuwa, Binwell Mpundu, Emmanuel Jay Banda, Kaizer Zulu and blogger Lillian Mutambo have drawn sharp backlash, with Amnesty International saying authorities are “weaponizing” citizenship documents and breaching freedom of movement, while opposition figures and lawyers push court challenges over detention and rights at Mukobeko. Courtroom & Detention: Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others have filed a constitutional petition at the Lusaka High Court contesting prolonged detention, denial of access to lawyers and alleged unlawful transfer after August 13. Local Governance: Lusaka Mayor-elect Chitambala Mwewa says it’s “impossible” to run a functional city with street vending and argues relocation must be phased and planned, not rushed. Rule of Law: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha warns of a worrying drift away from respect for the law, as prosecutors stress cases should not be influenced by personal interests. Food Security: Government warns El Niño drought could push about 1.2 million people into acute food insecurity from October to March, with northern and southern rainfall patterns expected to diverge. Energy & Infrastructure: Tanesco has signed a Sh198.67 billion deal to build a 220kV line and substation to end power shortages in Songwe and Mbeya. Politics & Speech Online: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court convicts vlogger Joseph Chishimba over a false social media claim involving Chipo Mwanawasa and State House. Regional Tourism Row: Zambia and Zimbabwe trade barbs over Victoria Falls ownership, with Zambia’s tourism officials insisting the larger share lies on the Zambian side.

Post-election crackdown: Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term after an election marred by violence and arrests, with courts closing for appeals amid allegations of fraud. Passports and dissent: Amnesty International condemned the cancellation of passports for six government critics—Emmanuel Mwamba, Sishuwa Sishuwa, Binwell Mpundu, Emmanuel Jay Banda, Kaizer Zulu and blogger Lillian Mutambo—saying authorities are “weaponizing citizenship documents” to silence opponents; an explainer notes the Gazette bars use for travel/ID and outlines possible appeals. Treason and detention: Opposition figures Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others filed a High Court bid challenging unlawful detention and denial of access to lawyers, while police also charged Mundubile and Zulu with seditious practices. Cyber speech crackdown: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court convicted vlogger Joseph Chishimba over a false WhatsApp claim about Chipokota Mwanawasa and President Hichilema, with judgment under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. Energy and mining: Hichilema urged Vedanta to speed up power generation for Konkola Copper Mines, as Zambia also pushes energy expansion and grid resilience. Food security warning: Government warned El Niño could trigger acute food insecurity for about 1.2 million people from October to March.

Banking Reform for Grow Zambia: The Bank of Zambia says the financial sector must transform to mobilise resources for the Grow Zambia Agenda, with banks urged to use data and AI to support growth. Water Security Push: Government commits K5bn to build and rehabilitate 60 dams across drought-prone provinces, aiming to boost irrigation, livestock, fisheries, domestic supply and industry. Passport Revocations: The state cancels six passports, including opposition figures Emmanuel Mwamba and Binwell Mpundu, citing “national security” without details. Renewables Deal: South Africa’s Sturdee Energy enters Zambia by acquiring the 200MW Masaiti Wind Project in Mpongwe, targeting grid-connected clean power with possible solar and storage add-ons. Opposition Detention Under Fire: Calls intensify for the release of treason detainees Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, after UN human rights concerns and court actions freeing 43 NRPUP-linked detainees. ECZ PR Seats Guidance: ECZ orients UPND and NRPUP on new proportional representation seats, as nominations for 40 PR seats begin. Regional Trade and Food: Zambia’s maize export deal to Kenya gets backing from MAZ, with caution urged due to El Niño risks. Critical Minerals Debate: Commentators renew calls for Africa to capture more value from minerals through local processing, not raw exports.

Electoral Commission Moves PR Seats Process: ECZ has begun orientation for qualifying parties on how Zambia’s new 40 proportional representation seats will be allocated, with lists due under the 2025 constitutional amendment. Detention Lawsuit in Focus: NRPUP official Joseph Kaseya and 42 others have sued the Attorney General over alleged unlawful detention at Chelston Police Station, describing beatings and questioning after election duties. Courtroom Battles Continue: ECZ is defending Chililabombwe and Milanzi parliamentary results at the Lusaka High Court, arguing petitions lack grounds to overturn the polls. Local Government Swearing-Ins: Lusaka City Council has sworn in 38 newly elected councillors, while Munali MP Thomas Sipalo was sworn in to participate in council proceedings. Political Temperature, Reconciliation Calls: Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba urged opposition figure Emmanuel Mwamba to “tone down” rhetoric for national healing amid post-election tensions. Regional Diplomacy Flashpoint: Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa reignited a Victoria Falls ownership row, insisting the landmark belongs exclusively to Zimbabwe, not Zambia.

Democracy Under Pressure: Analysts and former leaders warn Zambia’s post-election treason arrests risk “bad precedent” as Brian Mundubile remains detained and opposition figures push back on detention and court delays. Dialogue vs Deadlock: Tonse-Pamodzi leaders trade blows over reconciliation; Zumani Zimba urges Mundubile to recognise President Hakainde Hichilema first, while Binwell Mpundu withdraws his dialogue call and returns to election rigging claims. Legal Battles: Enock Tonga’s wife files for habeas corpus at the High Court over his continued police custody; Celestine Mukandila seeks judicial review after government cancels his NRC and passport. Security at Inauguration: Reports detail an anti-drone mesh deployed over the presidential stage at Heroes during HH’s inauguration. Food and Trade: Zambia signs a deal to export 540,000 tonnes of maize to Kenya in six batches, as millers cite steady maize supply for falling mealie meal prices. Regional and Global Signals: UN Secretary-General António Guterres congratulates HH on his new term; Mozambique praises Zambia’s peaceful polls. Women and Governance: NGOCC chair Beauty Katebe urges more women in Cabinet and key posts as Zambia’s new Parliament takes shape.

Post-Election Detentions and Treason Claims: Lusaka’s political heat stays on as reports allege “cooking up witnesses” in the treason case involving Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, while calls for their release grow louder. Tonse-Pamodzi Leadership Dispute: Tonse and Pamodzi leaders say statements attributed to Zumani Zimba do not reflect the alliance’s official position, as the opposition debates dialogue, unity, and recognition of President Hakainde Hichilema. Court and Legal Battles: Opposition figures keep turning to the courts—Celestin Mukandila seeks to quash the Gazette cancellation of his NRC and passport, while others challenge alleged detention and mistreatment after the August 2026 polls. Cabinet and Gender Representation: NGOCC chair Beauty Katebe urges Hichilema to appoint more women to Cabinet and key decision posts ahead of the new term. Digital Governance Push: Zambia launches a National Public Key Infrastructure to secure digital transactions, adding momentum to the country’s digital public infrastructure drive. Regional Diplomacy: Mozambique praises Zambia’s peaceful elections and calls for stronger defence and security cooperation. Food Security Trade: Zambia signs a 540,000 metric-tonne maize export deal with Kenya, aimed at earning forex and supporting farmers.

Digital Identity Push: Zambia launched a National Public Key Infrastructure to secure digital transactions, enable trusted digital IDs, digital signatures and faster public services, with Altron Security completing a key milestone for the system. Governance Reform Debate: Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) urged newly sworn-in MPs to reintroduce deputy ministers, arguing the current gap weakens service delivery and cabinet execution. Post-Election Tensions: Opposition Tonse Alliance figures renewed calls for dialogue while also insisting detained leaders’ cases be handled fairly; meanwhile, allegations about military and courts in the election crisis continue to draw international attention. Sports Accountability: Commonwealth champion Muzala Samukonga criticised Zambia Athletics leadership for poor athlete welfare and forcing athletes to fund national duties. Infrastructure Management: The Road Development Agency (RDA) announced restructuring aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and faster delivery under the Grow Zambia mission. Environment Regulation: ZEMA reduced EIA approval fees and processing time under new 2026 regulations to speed development while keeping oversight. Justice and Rights: Courts and rights groups continued to follow cases involving election-related detentions, including concerns over access to justice and lawyer safety. Business and Trade: DHL and Absa signed an MoU to expand the GoTrade programme to equip SMEs for cross-border trade and e-commerce across Sub-Saharan Africa. Local Economy Wins: Lavushimanda residents welcomed new community ablution blocks under devolution support, improving sanitation around markets.

Post-Election Rule of Law: The Commonwealth Lawyers Association says Zambia’s post-election developments after the 13 August 2026 vote breach Commonwealth legal standards, flagging army deployment during tallying, alleged counting irregularities, a raid linked to opposition candidate Mutotwe Kafwaya’s death, and courts being sealed—while stressing it is not judging the election outcome. Dialogue vs Tension: Opposition figures Binwell Mpundu and others are urging President Hakainde Hichilema to open dialogue and restore political tolerance, while Zambia Army insists it will not be drawn into partisan politics. Legal Challenge Over Citizenship: The Law Association of Zambia will represent Tonse Alliance leader Celestine Mukandila after government cancelled his NRC and passport, with the case now set for court scrutiny. Governance and Cabinet Pressure: Human rights defender Laura Miti urges HH to appoint service-focused leaders for rural Zambia, not political allies, as cabinet appointments loom. EU Election Oversight: The EU Election Observer Mission says it is in the final phase and will deliver its report and recommendations to Zambian authorities and parties within about two months. Mining Safety: MUZ condemns continued mining deaths and calls for stronger safety enforcement, inspections, and accountability. Public Health Updates: Government dismisses claims of an HIV treatment crisis for Zimbabwean returnees, saying patients are screened and linked to care without delay; Petauke also begins injectable PrEP for targeted groups.

Post-Election Rule of Law: The Commonwealth Lawyers Association says Zambia’s post-election developments after the 13 August 2026 vote breach Commonwealth legal standards, raising alarms over access to justice, judicial independence and lawyer safety, citing army deployment during the election, alleged counting irregularities, an armed raid in which former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was killed, and the sealing of courts. Army and Politics: Zambia Army spokesperson Col Sydney Mwewa warns political actors and social media users not to draw the Defence Force into partisan discourse, stressing the Army’s constitutional, non-partisan role. Dialogue Calls: Copperbelt politician Binwell Mpundu urges President Hakainde Hichilema to open peace talks, arguing Zambia’s politics has become “primitive and dirty” and warning that failure to talk could worsen tensions. Cabinet and Rural Focus: Activist Laura Miti presses President Hichilema to prioritise rural development in Cabinet appointments, including feeder roads, boreholes, and better services for teachers and health workers. Jobs and Regulation: UPND’s George Mtonga questions whether government itself is blocking job creation, pointing to burdensome business inspections and ZRA-related concerns. Agriculture Trade: Government begins talks with a Kenyan firm to buy 10.8 million bags of maize, with details handled by the Food Reserve Agency. Regional Diplomacy: Zambia and Rwanda move toward a reciprocal visa exemption deal after bilateral consultations in Lusaka.

Post-election justice and rights: Tonse Pamodzi Alliance leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu say lawyers were turned away twice at Mukobeko Maximum Prison, as calls grow for access and release of political detainees. Cabinet and governance: State House says President Hakainde Hichilema will appoint his second-term Cabinet “in his own time,” as MPs begin full parliamentary work after Vice President Nalumango’s swearing-in. Election petitions and court battles: Ngimbu fires back at a Zambezi Central petition by Dennis Mano, while more election disputes continue across the courts. Sovereignty and international pressure: Anglicans in Africa urge prayers and dialogue over Zambia’s post-electoral tensions, while Zambia’s Army warns against pulling the military into partisan politics. Regional diplomacy and condolences: Zambia and Rwanda hold bilateral consultations; Hichilema also sends condolences over Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan’s death. Health and data: WHO launches a Regional Health Data Hub to help countries use trusted health data for decisions. Human interest with politics: Hichilema meets citizens who walked or cycled to State House after the re-election, including a woman who delivered a village chicken after an 850km trek.

Parliament Opens New Term: Mutale Nalumango was sworn in as Zambia’s 2026–2031 National Assembly begins, urging MPs to put Zambia first and work across party lines as ECZ confirms 224 elected members. Election Petitions and Credibility Claims: The NDC says 41 parliamentary petitions filed in court—many by UPND candidates—show the August 13 polls were not credible, while other voices push for reconciliation and due process. Mundubile/Makebi Pressure vs State Position: UN and Catholic calls for release of Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu continue to spark pushback, with government and allies arguing the matter is legal and should run its course. Fiscal Discipline Under Grow Zambia: Government reiterates fiscal discipline as it consults on the 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, reporting K16.1bn released in August for services, debt and social programmes. Energy Update: Zambia’s cumulative solar PV capacity hit about 841MW by end-July 2026, on track for the 1,000MW target. Regional Human Story: Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema and Kenya’s William Ruto sent condolences after Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan died in hospital.

Citizenship and documents in court: Opposition lawyer Celestine Mukandila has challenged the cancellation of his NRC and passport, arguing he is a Zambian citizen by descent through his mother and demanding the legal basis for the “fraud, false declaration, and misrepresentation” claims. Detention and election rights: Former Constitutional Court judge Ann-Mwewa Sitali remains detained weeks after her arrest, while the Human Rights Commission says at least 84 people are held beyond legal limits after the August 13 elections. Civil society pushback: A consortium of CSOs has distanced itself from calls for a Government of National Unity, saying such a move lacks law and facts and urging unity, reconciliation and detainee releases. Rule of law vs UN pressure: UPND officials reject a UN special rapporteur’s assessment on “political detainees,” insisting suspects are handled under law and not politics. Cabinet and governance focus: Economic Front leader Wynter Kabimba and other voices are urging President Hichilema to appoint a more action-oriented Cabinet to deliver on the Grow Zambia agenda. Religion and national tone: Tonse Alliance has condemned attacks on the Catholic Church, calling for peace and tolerance as Zambia navigates post-election tensions.

Post-Election Security in Focus: SADC’s Troika on Politics, Defence and Security is set to convene member states after receiving a preliminary report on Zambia’s post-election crisis, where allegations include vote manipulation and a military raid during the August 13 count that left former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya dead. Court Battles Continue: With the presidential challenge blocked by court closures, 67 parliamentary election petitions have been filed, including 41 at Lusaka High Court, keeping the August 13 dispute alive in courtrooms. Detention and Rights Row: UN calls for release of Mundubile and Makebi are met with pushback from UPND, while Citizens First and others demand unconditional release and accuse selective justice. Citizenship Crisis: Lusaka lawyer Celestine Mukandila says cancelling his NRC and passport while he is detained effectively makes him stateless, and he is challenging the move through habeas corpus. ECZ Proportional Seats: ECZ says only two parties qualify for proportional representation seats, based on August 18 presidential results. Farm Payments Update: Access Bank reports over K2bn paid to more than 113,000 farmers via digital payments for the FRA maize season. Health Watch: Namibia records 122 malaria deaths and 122,612 cases as it prepares large-scale indoor spraying.